TIPS FROM SHENANDOAH LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Spring: March, April, May

• Mulch beds early in season if not mulched in winter
• Broadcast a light application of 10-10-10 over perennial beds
• Sharpen lawn mower blades
• Lawn mowing should be done weekly with no more than 1/3 of the growth cut off at any one time. Set mowers to cut at 3 to 3 ½ inches
• Most spring-flowering shrubs can be cut back and fertilized afterflowering
• Deadhead perennials after flowering to extend bloom times in many species
• Apply pre-emergent to lawns early in March to prevent crabgrass invasion. Spray broadleaf weeds as they appear in lawn

Summer: June, July, August

• Finish pruning and fertilizing spring-flowering shrubs after blooming
• Second application of pre-emergent should be applied to lawn early in June
• Continue to spray broadleaf weeds as they appear in lawn
• A second light application of 10-10-10 over perennials along with deadheading when needed in mid-summer
• Look for insect infestation on plants and spray when needed
• Weed beds frequently to keep weeds from flowering and setting seed
• Water deeply and consistently throughout summer. At least 1 inch of water per week in 2 applications are advised